Clyne keen to get going

Cape Town - Former Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne is hoping that a strong pre-season with his new club will help him deliver on the pitch when Liverpool's season kicks off on Sunday.

The 24-year-old England international completed his move to Liverpool from Southampton at the beginning of July and hopes that his early arrival will allow him to make a fast start to the 2015/16 season.

"It was important to join ahead of pre-season," the full-back told the Liverpool website.

"I think it's the perfect time for me to come into the team. It meant I was able to join in the pre-season at Melwood and then fly out with the squad on the tour, which has been an amazing experience.

"Overall it's given me time to bed in and get to know the team and how they play, and also get to know the manager, the staff and how they operate as well."

Clyne is one of several high-profile additions to the Reds' squad with Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings among the new faces in the Anfield dressing room.

Liverpool open their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a trip to Stoke City.